Harper Creek board names high‑school basketball court for Gary Lincoln; approves funding, hires and budget resolution

The Harper Creek Board of Education voted 6-0 Monday to name the high‑school basketball court in memory of Gary Lincoln after a naming‑committee recommendation and discussion that included a pledged $250,000 donation from Lincoln’s son, Benjamin Lincoln.

The board meeting, held Sept. 8, also included approvals of two new hires, a $40,000 allocation to offset sixth‑grade camp costs, a $7,500 allocation for fourth‑grade trips to Binder Park Zoo, and a unanimously adopted resolution calling on state leaders to finalize the Michigan school‑aid budget earlier.

Superintendent Rob Ridgeway introduced the naming request, saying the district had received “a request to name the high school gym basketball court in memory of Mister Gary Lincoln,” and described Lincoln’s long service to the district. Ridgeway said Lincoln taught at Harper Creek for 31 years, served as a coach and athletic director, served 13 years on the school board (including terms as trustee, treasurer and secretary) and was active with the Waddles Park men’s club for decades. Ridgeway told the board that a district naming‑of‑facilities committee — made up of community members, school staff, teachers, coaches, parents and a principal — had met Aug. 6 and recommended the naming by a 5‑of‑7 vote.

Ridgeway said Benjamin Lincoln, who lives outside the district, had discussed alternatives with the committee and “really felt like basketball was the … glue” for his father’s community work. Ridgeway told the board Benjamin had offered a quarter‑million‑dollar donation to Harper Creek Community Schools to be used “as we see fit, basically.”

Local resident Mark Lowry, who identified himself as a Waddles Park men’s club member and former Cub Scout leader, spoke in support of the naming. “As soon as I heard about the idea of naming the facility after Gary, I was a 100% behind it,” Lowry said, adding he had witnessed Lincoln’s long community involvement.

Board members who spoke in favor praised Lincoln’s service and the donation’s potential benefit to students. After discussion, the board approved the naming motion 6‑0.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment of acting secretary: motion to appoint Brad Halverson as secretary for the Sept. 8 special and regular meetings — approved (roll call 6 yes, 0 no). (Motion carried.)

- Addition to agenda: approved adding item G (school aid budget resolution) for discussion — approved (6‑0).

- Consent agenda (checks, minutes and committee minutes noted in the packet): approved (6‑0).

- New hires: Lynn Wood, part‑time special education teacher, HCCAA (prorated, MA20); Casey Cole, Sonoma Elementary fourth‑grade teacher (BA1) — both approved (6‑0).

- Funding allocations: $40,000 from the general fund to offset sixth‑grade camp costs — approved (6‑0); $7,500 from the general fund to cover the fourth‑grade Binder Park Zoo lesson — approved (6‑0).

- School aid budget resolution: the board adopted a resolution expressing concern about the absence of a finalized Michigan state budget before local school budget deadlines and urged state leaders to finalize school‑aid funding earlier — approved (6‑0). The resolution text cited the statutory Sept. 30 deadline for the state fiscal year and called for statutory changes to finalize school aid by June 1 of each year.

- Naming of facility: motion approving the naming of the Harper Creek High School basketball court in memory of Gary Lincoln — approved (6‑0).

What the naming request said and why it mattered

Ridgeway summarized the committee’s work and Lincoln’s record, noting Lincoln’s decades of service as a teacher, coach, athletic director and board member, and his long involvement with the Waddles Park men’s club. Ridgeway said committee members asked whether naming the court was the only option and spoke directly with Benjamin Lincoln about possible alternatives; five of seven committee members recommended the court naming. Ridgeway said Benjamin indicated a desire to “give back to Harper Creek” and offered a $250,000 donation tied to the naming request.

Supporters emphasized Lincoln’s local legacy and the committee process. Mark Lowry, who said he coached in programs Lincoln helped sustain, told the board Lincoln had “a huge impact” on his family and community. Several board members described Lincoln as deserving of recognition for his long service and community contributions. One board member said the donation should not be the primary reason for honoring Lincoln but that both the recognition and the financial support were positive for students.

Other business and next steps

The board heard multiple informational reports during the meeting, including curriculum and achievement updates, facilities work and bond‑planning timelines. Superintendent Ridgeway reminded the public that a steering committee will meet Sept. 10 to review facility‑assessment results as the district gathers community input on potential future bond proposals. The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

Provenance: transcript excerpts supporting this article are recorded in the meeting record (see provenance section for first and last related excerpts).